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Last Name Poves

What is the origin of the last name Poves?

The surname Poves is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a geographical location or a place name, specifically from the town Poveda located in several provinces in Spain. The name could also be derived from the occupation of a bird-keeper or falconer, as "pove" or "pobre" is an old Castilian word for dove.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poves

The meaning and origin of the last name Poves

The surname Poves is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the regions of Castile and Leon. It is a toponymic name derived from places named Pove or Pues, which are common in these regions. These place names are believed to be derived from the Arabic word "paus," meaning "a stopping place" or "an inn." The surname's spelling variations include Poves, Pueves, and Poves-Gallostra. Over time, people bearing this name migrated from Spain to other countries, particularly during the Spanish colonization of America, leading to the dispersal of the Poves surname worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poves

The surname Poves is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and León, where it is considered one of the most common surnames. It also has a significant presence in other Spanish autonomous communities such as Galicia, Madrid, and Catalonia. Outside Spain, there are also notable populations with the last name Poves in Portugal, especially in the northern regions, as well as in South America, particularly Argentina and Colombia, due to historical migration patterns. Smaller groups can be found in other countries with large Spanish-speaking communities, such as the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poves

The surname Poves can be spelled in various ways due to differences in regional spelling conventions, historical transcription errors, or personal preferences. Some common variations include Poives, Povis, Povesse, and Pouvès. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the name is often written as Pobes, Pobés, or Pobs. Additionally, there may be regional differences in pronunciation, such as a soft "c" sound (as in English 'cent') instead of a hard "k" sound (as in English 'cat'). It's also important to note that some individuals might choose to Anglicize the name when moving to an English-speaking country or adopting a more common spelling for professional purposes.

Famous people with the last name Poves

Notable individuals with the surname Poves include:

1. José Raúl Capablanca Poveda (1888-1942), a Cuban chess grandmaster and world champion from 1921 to 1927. Known as "The Magnetic Man" due to his seemingly effortless play, he is considered one of the greatest players in history.

2. Joaquín Achúcarro Poveda (1914-1994), a Spanish classical pianist and conductor. He was known for his interpretations of the works of J.S. Bach, and was awarded numerous prestigious prizes throughout his career.

3. Carlos Poveda (born 1970), a Mexican actor and singer who gained fame in the early 1990s as a member of the pop group Timbiriche. He has also had a successful acting career, appearing in numerous films and television shows.

4. María Eugenia Poveda (born 1973), a Colombian professional tennis player. She reached her highest WTA singles ranking of world No. 20 in 1996.

5. Marisa Poveda (born 1985), a Mexican actress and television host, known for her work on the popular telenovela "La Fea Más Bella." She has also worked as a model and singer.

Genealogical research on the last name Poves

The surname Poves is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the regions of Castile and Aragon. One theory suggests that it derives from the medieval nickname "El Pove", meaning 'the hollow' or 'the cave', which could have been given to someone who lived near a cave or had a distinct physical feature. Another hypothesis is that it originates from the town of Poveda de la Sierra, in the province of Guadalajara. Notable individuals with this surname include Spanish painter Luis Poves (1931-2018) and tennis player Feliciano Lopez Poves (b. 1981). The family's genealogical records are most abundant in Spain, offering a rich historical context for those researching their Poves ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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